Sz vs nwz

[Unimog Bob]

Originally Posted by linhster

I am not completely understanding the following:

-Swimming buoy restrictions.
-No wake restrictions.

Is there any swimming allow in a no wake zone? I thought wakes are created by vessels. And if there are vessels, usually swimming will be prohibited. ???

Thanks for the clarification...

To my knowledge, boats are not allowed to come inside any buoys out from the beach (about 80 yards) along most beaches in St. Pete. In other words, if you see buoys, boats are not allowed inside of them.

The wording on this stuff is getting in the way imo.
Also, imo, the concept of distance from fellow beach-goers should be independent of buoys anyway. However, buoys exist from much/most of the way from John's Pass south to Pass-a-Grille and boats are not allowed inside of them. This becomes more obvious in the summer, when you see NO boats anchored inside of them or on the beach (the whole point to them being there). Surely, if legal to motor (or even float) inside of them, people would motor their boats at .5 knots to get to the beach if possible. You won't ever see this though. You will see people anchor just outside of them, then swim into the UnderTow and other beach bars.

We have been calling them "swim zones" b/c the goal is to keep swimmer's safe. In my mind, they are actually "no vessel zones".

If anyone disagrees with my take on their purpose or laws enforced within them, just go out and throw anchor inside one of them and see what happens.

In keeping with the spirit of the rules of these areas, I am glad to see that race organizers decided that buzzing through them with 70 kiters at top speed seems like a really bad idea.

[Unimog Bob]

If someone really wanted clarification on what the buoys represent, they could go to the City. Here is a short snip from some City minutes. They are using the term Swim Zone, interestingly enough. This particular meeting may have arisen over Caddy's not being happy with motor boats NOT being allowed to anchor right on their beach.

Page 2 of 5
June 17, 2008
3. Consideration of Ord. 08-05, Sunset Beach Swim Zone (1st Reading)

It was moved by Commissioner Bildz and seconded by Commissioner Gayton to
approve the ordinance as read. Commissioner Bildz stated that Mr. Amico brought up
the point that the swim zones would be 300 ft., and asked if that was a change. Mr.
Silverboard explained that the ordinance reads no greater than 300 ft. At times the
buoys move due to storms and beach renourishment, and they need to be reset
periodically. He stated that at the last meeting the Commission instructed staff to draft
an ordinance to extend the swim zone from the end of Weckesser Park all the way
around to Blind Pass. Commissioner Collins clarified that the buoys would not be moved
out any further than they currently are, and they are in closer due to beach
renourishment and storms. Mr. Silverboard stated that they are usually set at or close to
300 feet. He suggested that they consider setting a slow speed minimum wake zone
from Weckesser Park north to the area behind the Lion’s Club. This would have less
impact on the business in the area, and reduce the noise in the area. Commissioner
Collins stated that he felt it was a good compromise. Commissioner Bildz stated that if
they wanted to go north of Weckesser Park up to the Lion’s Club, and change the swim
zone to 150 feet in that area, he would be in favor of that. It would be an easy swim due
to the sand bar. Mr. Silverboard stated that they would have to revise the ordinance and
come back again for first reading. If the Commission wants to extend the swim zone all
Page 3 of 5
June 17, 2008
the way to Blind Pass he can leave that in there, but if they want to take it out, he’s not
aware of any problems in that area. He described the area that the boats could come in
to the shore. Commissioner Bildz stated that he felt the proposed swim zone was fine,
with a revision to address the area from Weckesser Park to the Lion’s Club.
Commissioner Minning asked what the depth of the water was at 150 feet out. It is
about 10-12 feet. Commissioner Gayton stated that if we are going to make significant
changes then we should have another workshop to discuss it. Commissioner Bildz
stated that the way the ordinance is written is fine, and all we are proposing is modifying
the area near Weckesser Park. Mr. Silverboard stated that he was proposing that they
modify this ordinance to allow the boats closer to Caddy’s, so that it was in one
ordinance as opposed to two. Commissioner Gayton stated that he would rather pass
the ordinance now, and modify it later after further discussion. Commisioners Bildz and
Collins agreed.

Heidi Horak spoke about the history of the boating issues in the area. The boaters want
to be closer. She feels that the swim zone all the way to the end was extreme. It is only
on the weekends when there are boats in that area that it’s a problem, and now that they
have the slow speed minimum wake zones the boats aren’t going fast. The boaters
want to be closer to the businesses. People do not learn quickly. If they are going to
make a change it needs to be one very clear change that they are willing to stick with.
She feels that they are lacking in imagination and consideration with this ordinance and
they should continue to work on it.

Ray Green stated that he is part of the problem when they created the swim zone in the
past. The activity that they have in back of the houses now is a danger to those
swimming in the area. Two weekends ago a boater came to the shore and threw his
anchor with the anchor rope wrapped around his neck. People will come in when there
are waves pushing into the shore and try to nose into the beach. The problem needs to
be addressed right now. What goes on behind Caddy’s is a separate issue. We need to
extend the swim zone all the way south.

Tony Amico stated that if you are going to take one away without giving something then
they should wait on the whole thing. They are taking away from John’s Pass all the way
to Sunset Beach. There is nowhere that anyone would be able to pull a boat up to the
beach. He feels that they should wait and do it all at once, and make a decision that
should be final. Caddy’s has been a bar and restaurant there since 1947, and will
continue to be. He feels they should have another public meeting and talk about it
further.

Mary Beth Becker stated that she understands Mr. Amico’s point of view, and she
patronizes Caddy’s. She feels that safety issues must come first. There was recently a
child that was almost hit by a wave runner. They have witnessed an intoxicated boater
who was brought to her house with a gashed leg, unaware of how he was injured. They
should concentrate on safety.

Bob Hartman stated that he has small children, and he likes to drop them off at the
beach, and then move the boat back. He is careful, and feels that it isn’t a problem.

Andrew Becker stated that he is a boater as well, and he has kids also. There was a
swim zone behind his house, and when he wanted to see the progress on his house
they wore life preservers and swam in. The area from John’s Pass to Caddy’s is a swim
zone, not a no wake zone. Now that Shell Key doesn’t allow alcohol they have all come
to our beach, and that is a liability that we shouldn’t allow.

Commissioner Bildz asked for clarification of the idle speed no wake zone areas. Mr.
Silverboard explained the different zones.

Ms. Kiefer stated that she agreed that if they were going to make any changes then they
should start over. Commissioner Gayton stated that the intent right now is not to make
changes right now, so we should vote on it now. Commissioner Collins stated that the
most important thing is the safety of the people in the water and the residents in the
area. He feels that they should pass this as written, and then address the other concern
later. Commissioner Bildz asked if we could put the Caddy’s issue on the next
workshop.

Upon roll call the vote to approve was unanimous.

[Unimog Bob]

I have to wonder if the above poll would get different responses if riders were asked if it's a good idea for race organizers to allow riders in the swim zones and not used the term "no wake zone". I am fairly confident that there is no such thing as a "no wake zone" being marked by buoys just offshore from our local beaches. The buoys are there to keep vessels (including jet-skis) out for the safety of swimmers.

Jet skis are only allowed to come to shore in clearly marked areas where jet ski rentals (with permit) occur.

I understand the confusion, because I can't even remember what the buoys say on them anymore, and I ride the beaches a lot. I do remember orange diamonds.

[Whitey]

946 views 19 votes. fear of jury duty has ruined the system.

[bayflite]

the only think we have to fear is................................................ .................................................. ..........................



















































































selfish riders.

[hrpufnstuf]

OK, I looked up like Bob said. Beach restrictions are handled by each municipality. Only one municipality specifically restricts kitesurfing inside the buoys which is designated a "swim zone"; Treasure Island. The rest have other restrictions which at best are left to interpretation by law enforcement, courts and lawyers.

Enjoy

HR

Bellaireshores

ARTICLE II. BEACH AREAS

DIVISION 3. WATER SAFETY ZONE*

__________

*State law references: Establishment of restricted areas, F.S. § 327.46.


Sec. 30-81. Purpose.

The purpose of this division is to establish a safety zone and regulate the use of watercraft within the safety zone for the protection of persons, property, watercraft and for the safe use of the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

(Ord. No. 00-01, § 1, 4-20-2000)


Sec. 30-82. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Idle speed/no wake means that a watercraft cannot proceed at a speed greater than that speed which is necessary to maintain the ability to navigate.

Watercraft means a boat, ship, barge, air boats, jet-ski or other device capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

(Ord. No. 00-01, § 2, 4-20-2000)


IRB

Sec. 74-63. No-anchoring zone.

(a) Established; buoys; speed; transit. There is hereby established a no-anchoring zone, which is defined as that portion of the Gulf of Mexico lying between the northerly and southerly city limits of the city and easterly from the buoy line. The line shall be marked by regulatory buoys placed in accordance with permits and spaced, nominally, at 300-foot intervals along its length. As the buoys will move about their anchor location with the tides or currents, enforcement of this section shall extend to the area defined by the buoys at the water's surface at the time of infraction. Any boat or watercraft operating within the no-anchoring zone shall proceed cautiously at a speed not in excess of idle speed. The boat or watercraft shall transit the no-anchoring zone in the shortest and most direct route possible taking into consideration safe navigation and the safety and enjoyment of other users of the area.

Indian Shores


Sec. 106-78. Water safety zone.

(a) Established; buoys; speed; transit. There is hereby established a water safety zone which is defined as that part of the Gulf of Mexico lying between the northerly and southerly limits of the town and easterly of the following described line: …

The line shall be marked by regulatory buoys placed in accordance with permits and spaced, nominally, at 300-foot intervals along its length, and approximately 200 feet from the shoreline. As the buoys will move about their anchor location with the tides and currents, enforcement of this section shall extend to the area defined by the buoys at the water's surface at the time of infraction. Any boat or watercraft, including motorized watercraft, sail boats, personal watercraft, catamarans or other vessels as defined by Florida Statute, transiting the "water safety zone" shall proceed cautiously at a speed not in excess of idle speed and shall not create any wake whatsoever. In addition, the boat or watercraft shall transit the "water safety zone" in the shortest and most direct route possible taking into consideration safe navigation and the safety and enjoyment of other users of the area.

Redington Beach


Sec. 5-29. Safety zone in Gulf of Mexico.

(a) Designation of safety zone. There is hereby a designated zone of restricted motorized watercraft operation within the described boundaries of the town, and extending 100 yards into the Gulf of Mexico, and running parallel to the town's shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico.

(b) Operation of watercraft. The operation of any watercraft within the safety zone which threatens the safety of swimmers shall be in violation of this section, provided this restriction shall not apply to any watercraft entering the zone because of an emergency.

(c) Moorings to markers or buoys prohibited. The mooring of any watercraft to markers or buoys placed by the town or other authorized body shall be prohibited.

(d) Penalty for violation. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this section shall be subject to the penalties provided in the general penalty provisions of this Code of Ordinances.


Madeira Beach

Sec. 78-4. Restricted swimming areas established.

Within the designated restricted areas, identified with buoys as prescribed in F.S. § 327.40, no vessels of any kind with the exception of surfboards, paddle boats, and sail boats shall be allowed to operate within the swim area, however, such vessels shall be allowed to traverse the swim area to reach water outside the restricted area.


Treasure Island

Sec. 58-33. Surfboards.

(a) Reckless use. It is unlawful to operate, manipulate or otherwise use a surfboard or similar device in a reckless manner. A person is guilty of reckless operation of a surfboard who operates same in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property without due regard, caution and circumspection, or in a manner as to endanger or likely to endanger, or injure any person.

(b) Colliding or striking against persons. No person shall operate, manipulate or otherwise use a surfboard or other similar device in such manner as to cause same to collide or strike against any person.


Sec. 58-92. Restricted boating areas.

(a) Definitions.

(1) Slow speed-minimum wake indicates a restricted or controlled zone which has been established to protect the interest of the public. Slow speed-minimum wake means that a vessel must not proceed at a speed greater than that speed which is reasonable and prudent to avoid an excessive wake or condition under the existing circumstances. For the purpose of this section, slow speed-minimum wake and slow down-minimum wake shall mean the same. …

(2) Idle speed-no wake indicates a restricted or controlled zone that has been established to protect the interests of the public. Idle speed-no wake means that a vessel cannot proceed at a speed greater than that speed which is necessary to maintain steerageway.

(b) Restricted boating areas. There shall be created within the city various restricted boating areas in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, which shall be marked by the city manager with regulatory buoy markers in compliance with the state uniform waterway marking system, which shall restrict all boating activities from these designated swimming areas pursuant to F.S. ch. 327 and the rules of the department of environmental protection, division of law enforcement, F.A.C. ch. 16N-23.

(c) Zones.

(1) Swim zones. The following areas shall be designated as swim zones; and all boating activity shall be restricted within an area that is located between the water line and a buoy line, which buoy line shall be located by the city manager at a point no greater than 300 feet out into the Gulf of Mexico from the mean high water line in the following locations:

a. From the north side of 77th Avenue northward to the south end of Weckesser Park, a distance of approximately 4,185 feet.

b. From the south side of Weckesser Park to north side of parking lot 5 (at 100th Avenue), a distance of approximately 2,445 feet. The width of the swim zone adjacent to 3rd Avenue South and Sawyer & Harrell's 2nd Addition, Block 8, Lots 13,14, and 15 and east eight feet of vacated alley on west and Lots 10, 11, 12 and vacated alley (a total distance of 200 feet), shall be set by the city manager at no greater than 125 feet until March 31, 2009 unless swimmer safety considerations dictate otherwise. Thereafter, the width of said swim zone may be adjusted by the city manager to up to 300 feet as may be needed to ensure the safety of swimmers.

c. From the south end of the county park (104th Avenue) to the north end of 121st Avenue, a distance of approximately 5,200 feet.

Within the restricted boating areas, no boating activity shall be allowed except as specifically authorized by the city manager for various city-authorized or city-sponsored events. This restriction applies to all boats that use a motor as their primary or secondary means of locomotion, kite surfing, sail-powered vessels 20 feet or greater in length and other similar vessels and devices. This restriction shall not apply to nonmotorized vessels including surfboards, sailboards and skimboards, canoes and kayaks. Sail-powered vessels under 20 feet in length may ingress and egress the beach perpendicular to the shoreline.


St Pete Beach

Sec. 94-36. Zones of restricted operation.

(a) There are designated zones of restricted watercraft operation as shown on the map which is attached to Ordinance Number 86-21 designated as exhibit A, which map is adopted by reference as if set out at length in this section and is on file in the city clerk's office.

(b) Zone 1, as designated on such map, is a protected area and reserved for swimmers only. No watercraft shall enter or operate within zone 1, provided this restriction shall not apply to any watercraft entering zone 1 because of an emergency. The city commission may grant a special occasion permit granting an exception to this subsection upon written request. The city commission shall determine whether the requested exception constitutes a special occasion. In granting this special occasion permit, the city commission shall be authorized to impose on the permit whatever conditions it deems are appropriate and reasonable and may adopt those rules and regulations it deems appropriate to protect the safety, health and welfare of the public.

(c) Zone 2 is intended primarily for swimming. Motorized and nonmotorized watercraft are prohibited from operating parallel to the beach within this zone. The city shall maintain buoys to mark the outer limits of this zone.

[Mike T]

I Think you got it wrong! It goes like this!
The Only thing we have to Fear Is Fear it Self! FDR Franklin D. Roosevelt OR
The exact quote is,
"Nothing is to be feared but fear itself." Sir Frances Bacon coined the phrase in "of Tribute" which he wrote in the early 1600's.
Lets move on shall we! I feel the need for speed, Pray for wind! Cheers! Mike